DeKalb County E-911 was recently awarded over $117,519 in grant reimbursements for radio system upgrades. The money has been used to replace analog radio equipment with new digital equipment.
“While we are not ready to transition to a digital radio network at this time, this equipment prepares the 911 center as well as the agencies we serve to transition to a fully digital radio system in the future. In addition, we have also purchased equipment that will improve paging of emergency responders in areas with poor radio reception. Obviously, the more responders we are able to notify in the event of an emergency, the better chance we have of getting an adequate response from our volunteer responders,” said Brad Mullinax, Director of the DeKalb County Emergency Communications District (911 center).
“We have also used the funds to build-out a microwave communications network that connects our radio sites together over a high-speed network. The addition of this technology will save the district thousands of dollars over the coming years in broadband charges. Additionally, this equipment has enabled us to monitor our equipment closely with video and alarm monitoring. Our operators are now immediately aware of any radio problem that is affecting our county,” he said.
This grant was secured through the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board at 100% funding with zero local dollars involved in this transaction.
“We would like to thank the DeKalb Utility District as well as the City of Smithville and the Town of Alexandria for allowing us to locate our radio equipment on their existing towers at no charge to the 911 district. Their cooperation will save our district thousands of dollars over the next several years. We are very proud of the inter-local agreements and cooperation that we have with our government partners. This is a great example of how cooperation can improve lives with little to no costs for our citizens,” said Mullinax.
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